windows 7 - Cannot load assembly error

I installed windows 7 32 bit for a friend, his laptop is hp 2000-2d07ee. I installed all the drivers I could find here. I ran windows update, I installed .net framework 4.5 and Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2012 Update 4. I still see this error

Do I need to install an earlier version of .net framework or C++ Redistributable, or is there another way to fix it?

Here is what HP forums (1, 2) say:

• if you have a Windows with 3rd party themes and uxtheme.dll patched this may cause the problem. You'll have to revert to original files.
• check if it is in the startup list (run msconfig and look in the Startup tab)
• install Microsoft .NET Framework version 3.5 SP1
• you should reinstall HP Connection Manager. The latest version is 4.5 and you can find it here. Restart your computer after that.